A STUDY OF SOIL STABILIZATION USING WASTE PLASTIC MATERIAL

Abstract

Stabilization of soil is an effective and reliable method for improvement of strength, stability and bearing capacity of soils. Soil stabilization can be done in number of ways. But the stabilization using waste plastic strips is an economic method since the stabilizer used here is waste plastic materials, which is easily available and cheap. The primary objective of this project is to improve the shear strength and stability of soil using plastic cover wastes. This report presents the various tests conducted on fiber reinforced soil with varying fiber content and their results are analyzed such that it can be used in the fields. Maximum Dry Density (MDD), Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and shear strength parameters (cohesion C and angle of internal friction Φ) of soil were examined. The plastic strips were added in different proportions by dry weight (0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) of the soil. Results conclude that, there is significant improvement in the strength of soil due to increase in cohesion. However cohesion is improved but no large variation in angle of internal friction. MDD of soil increases up to 0.5 % of plastic waste as stabilizer, but demand of water decreases as plastic does not absorb water. CBR value increased up to 1% of plastic waste as stabilizer. This could be effective method of disposal of plastic waste with respect to environmental concern.